Apple is charging more to replace a broken iPhone 8 back than a broken screen

When Apple launched the iPhone 8, it made sure to highlight the new glass back on the phone, one of the few features that differentiates the 8 from the iPhone 7. And yes, the glass back is pretty, and Apple claims it is, quote, "durable." But the glossy case comes with higher replacement costs and a more painful repair process.

While the glass screens on iPhone 8 cost only $29 to replace under AppleCare+, the iPhone 8's glass back will cost $99 to replace, AppleInsider confirmed. The glass back falls under a different category for AppleCare+ repairs—"other damage"—making it more expensive. AppleCare+ costs $129 for the iPhone 8 and $149 for the iPhone 8 Plus, and covers two additional repairs at a lesser price.

Prying apart the iPhone 8 helps to explain the price jump. While the glass screen is still relatively easy to pop out, the glass back is glued to a panel that holds the wireless charging coil in place. iFixit, which deconstructed the iPhone 8 for an instructional video, said this made it harder to get the back out without damaging other iPhone innards. So in-store and at-home repairs won't be breezy.

iPhone 8 screens cost $149 to replace ($169 for the Plus) if out of warranty and not covered by AppleCare+. No replacement costs are confirmed for the iPhone X, but because it also has a glass back, we can assume Apple will apply different pricing. Really, the takeaway here is buy a protective phone case. That's an investment worth making.

When Apple launched the iPhone 8, it made sure to highlight the new glass back on the phone, one of the few features that differentiates the 8 from the iPhone 7. And yes, the glass back is pretty, and Apple claims it is, quote, "durable." But the glossy case comes with higher replacement costs and a more painful repair process.